Aging in place: Home modifications to help you age with dignity

As Canadians age, they face an important decision: Whether to age in place by staying in their own homes, or to move into an assisted living facility.

Studies show that an increasing number of Canadians want to stay at home as they age and be as independent as possible.

This strong preference for aging in place is understandable, as it offers numerous advantages for older adults.

"Aging in place (increasingly referred to as living in place) offers several benefits," says Margot McWhirter, an Ontario-based accessibility & aging-in-place consultant. “Remaining in a familiar home environment enables those who choose to age/live in place to preserve their sense of independence and identity, which can be deeply reassuring during periods of change.”

Of course, there are also potential challenges to aging in place. You may experience loneliness and social isolation, have mobility issues that make it difficult to maintain your home. You may also have to consider spending money on home modifications to ensure safety and accessibility.

It’s essential for an individual to take the time to research and examine their options thoroughly and carefully consider their unique needs and circumstances when deciding whether aging in place is right for them.

What types of home modifications can help you age in place?

According to McWhirter, the specific home modifications needed to help someone age in place will vary depending on the individual's physical abilities, medical conditions and the layout of their home.

However, some common modifications include:

Safety and security

• Ensure house numbers are visible and well-lit
• Install a door viewer or visual doorbell
• Declutter to remove tripping hazards
• Secure area rugs or remove them entirely

Accessibility and ease of use

• Locate controls like light switches and outlets within universal reach range (18-48 inches above floor)
• Maximize storage in kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom within easy reach
• Increase lighting, especially on stairs and in work areas
• Install secure handrails on both sides of all staircases
• Widen doorways and hallways to at least 34 inches for walker or wheelchair access
• Install lever-style door handles and faucets
• Choose slip-resistant, level flooring with minimal thresholds

Bathroom modifications

• Install a curbless, roll-in shower in place of a step-in tub
• Add a hand-held showerhead and shower seat
• Install grab bars around the toilet and shower/tub
• Opt for a comfort-height toilet and/or bidet seat

Kitchen and laundry

• Have various height countertops or work surfaces
• Choose appliances with controls in universal reach range
• Raise the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer to minimize bending over

What are the potential costs of age-in-place renovations or modifications?

Obviously, there are a lot of home modifications to consider when thinking about aging in place. The amount you’ll have to do — and the ensuing cost — will depend largely on your level of mobility and mental health.

Basic changes can cost just a few thousand dollars, but this can increase with the scale of your renovations. For example, a bathroom reno can set you back between $20,000 to $30,000 but adding an elevator to get to multiple floors can cost over $100,000.

In-home care, which involves hiring someone to assist with tasks like bathing, managing the home, and health care could cost upwards of $30 an hour. Also, if require a permit for any large and extensive renovations, your property taxes could go up – and with it, the cost of your monthly hydro and gas bills.

Should you contact your insurance company if you choose to age in place?

Another often overlooked cost of aging in place is the impact to your home insurance premiums. If you decide to age in place and make modifications to your home, it's essential to notify your insurance company.

“There may be a need to increase coverage for certain areas of the home that require modifications, such as the installation of a wheelchair ramp, which would increase the replacement coverage needed for the dwelling,” says Jesica Ryzynski, claims specialist at Mitch Insurance. “Similar to adding a porch or deck, your insurance company will want to know key details about a ramp including measurements, materials and more.”

Beyond home modifications, there are other important considerations for aging in place, including managing external risks.

"If you're unable to manage snow removal, it's a good idea to arrange for someone else to handle it,” Ryzynski adds. “This can help mitigate the risk of slip-and-fall accidents in your driveway or on outdoor stairs, which could lead to liability claims."

Related: Emotionally preparing for retirement is important

What are your options for paying for these renovations?

Obviously, in a perfect world, you’d have saved up enough money to cover the expenses of aging at home. However, for many Canadians, this is not a realistic scenario. The costs of home renovations for aging in place can be substantial, depending on the extent of the modifications needed. Luckily, Canadians do have some options to help finance these renovations:

Government programs and grants: In addition to your own savings, as well as the Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security, some provinces offer financial assistance for home renovations, especially for seniors and individuals with disabilities. For example, Nova Scotia’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program offers funding up to $18,000 for home repairs and $16,000 for accessibility upgrades.

HELOC: A home equity line of credit can let you draw on the value you’ve built up in your home to take out a line of credit. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll risk losing your home if you can’t pay back your balance.

Reverse mortgage: A reverse mortgage can also be a good way for those 55 and over to get a loan to help with home renos. However, it's essential to understand the risks involved, such as reduced estate value for your beneficiaries and potential debt accumulation.

Aging in place requires time, effort, and no small amount of getting one’s affairs in order. However, many people find the opportunity to live out this last chapter of one’s life in the comfort of their own home to be well worth the challenges and expense of having to prepare that home.

 “Being surrounded by a supportive community, familiar routines, and cherished memories fosters emotional stability and a sense of continuity, even as physical or cognitive abilities evolve,” says Margot McWhirter. “This stability not only bolsters mental well-being but also enhances overall quality of life, helping individuals retain a sense of control and belonging.”